Modi condoles deaths in lightning strikes in UP, Bihar

New Delhi, June 22 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday expressed condolences over the death of people due to lightning strikes in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand.

“Deeply anguished by loss of lives due to lightning in parts of UP, Bihar, Jharkhand and other parts of the nation over the last few days,” the prime minister wrote on Twitter.

“My thoughts and prayers are with those who lost their near and dear ones due to the lightning. May the injured recover quickly,” Modi said in a tweet.

At least 53 persons, including women and children, were killed and dozens injured by lightning strikes in different parts of Bihar since Tuesday, the Bihar disaster management department said on Wednesday.

Bihar Disaster Management Minister Chandrasekhar told the media that the toll has increased to 56 with more reports and information pouring in from rural areas across the state.

“The toll may increase further. It all depends on information we receive from distance rural pockets now,” he said.